Primary Assay — Zebrafish
Light/Dark Challenge Assay
Danio rerio
Larval zebrafish exhibit robust locomotor changes when alternating between light and dark phases, with dark phases triggering hyperactivity interpreted as light-searching behavior. This is the most widely used high-throughput larval assay.
Quantitative Output
Measured Parameters
Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Danio rerio.
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Distance moved | mm | Total path length per phase |
| Mean velocity | mm/s | Average swimming speed |
| Activity bouts | count | Number of movement initiations |
| Dark-phase hyperactivity index | ratio | Dark vs light activity ratio |
| Freezing episodes | count/duration | Immobility bouts >2s |
References
Citations for Light/Dark Challenge Assay
- Burgess HA, Granato M. (2007). Modulation of locomotor activity in larval zebrafish during light adaptation. J Exp Biol, 210(Pt 14), 2526-2539. PMID: 17601957
- Emran F, Rihel J, Dowling JE. (2008). A behavioral assay to measure responsiveness of zebrafish to changes in light intensities. J Vis Exp, (20), 923. PMID: 19078942
Compatible Equipment
Hardware for Zebrafish Research
DanioVision Observation Chamber
Larval 96-well locomotion and light/dark assays
ZebraBox Multi-Well System
High-throughput larval screening
Zebrafish Behavioral Tank
Adult novel tank, shoaling, social preference
T-Maze for Zebrafish
Spatial learning and memory
Infrared Camera System
Dark-phase recording without light artifact
Related Assays
Other Zebrafish Primary Assays
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Thigmotaxis (Wall-Hugging)
Danio rerio
Larval and adult zebrafish display increased wall-proximity behavior in anxiogenic conditions, analogous to rodent thigm…
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Novel Tank Diving Test
Danio rerio
Adult zebrafish initially dive to the bottom of a novel tank and gradually explore upper regions. Bottom-dwelling time s…
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Shoaling Assay
Danio rerio
Zebrafish are social species that form cohesive groups (shoals). Disrupted shoaling serves as a readout for social defic…
Run Light/Dark Challenge Assay on ConductVision
Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your zebrafish facility.
